Bandit shot dead after robbery

The other bandits escaped in bushes and were being pursued by officers of the Northern Division.

About 5.40 am, Alicia Hingeton, 42, was at her Wallerfield home with her daughter Makela and her brother Mical.

Makela went to her mother’s car and was confronted by three men, two armed with guns. They ordered her inside the house and demanded cash, jewelry and other valuables from the occupants.

They also took the keys for two vehicles, a Corolla and a Mazda.

Alicia, Mical and Makela were tied up by the bandits who threatened to kill them if they reported the matter to the police.

After the bandits fled in the two vehicles the victims were able to untie themselves and alerted the police.

Northern Division Task Force offiers led by Sgt Matthew Haywood and officers of the Northern Division CID under Inspector Birch responded and the stolen vehicles were spotted in the Carapo area. The bandits reportedly shot at the police, who returned fire, striking one of the bandits. The two others escaped in nearby bushes.

The wounded bandit was taken to the Arima hospital where he died. Police said the man had no form of identification on him but that he was in his early 20s.

Officers are hoping to match fingerprints taken from the man with prints in the “police system.” Head of the Northern Division, Senior Supt Mc Donald Jacob, issued a warning later to bandits: “Do not come in Northern Division and commit crimes because you will be found and flushed out.” He said the division has an effective network where officers can now respond immediately to any report.

He also commended officers for their teamwork yesterday. Jacob said the arrest of the two bandits who escaped is imminent.

Hingeton told police the bandits were very disrespectful and laughed at them when they were tied up. One of them even went to the refrigerator and drank from a carton of juice.

She said her family remained traumatised, especially her teenage daughter who had to be comforted all of yesterday.